The German National Visa (D-Type Visa) allows you to move to Germany for a stay exceeding 90 days. It provides residency rights in Germany and permits free travel across all Schengen member states, including airport transit. This visa is essential for purposes such as employment, education, family reunification, and other long-term stays.

How and where to apply

Eligibility

You can only apply for a visa at the German Consulate General in Dubai if your habitual residence is in the United Arab Emirates.

Your habitual residence is considered to be in the UAE if your residency permit (Emirates ID) was issued at least 6 months prior to the date of application.

If you cannot provide proof of habitual residence in the UAE, the German Consulate in Dubai is not responsible for processing your visa. You must submit your application to the consulate responsible for your actual place of residence.

Online Applications/ Auslandsportal

Certain visa categories may be eligible for online applications via the Consular Services Portal (Auslandsportal).

To check if your visa category qualifies for the online application process, visit the information page here.

Applicants using the online application platform will be guided through the entire process, including the submission of necessary documents and completing the required forms.

Steps for In-Person Applications/ In case you do not qualify for online application

If your visa category is not eligible for online application, follow these steps:

1.Prepare Required Documents

• Each applicant, including minors, must have a separate application form and document set.

• Submit two sets of documents (1 original and 1 copy). Please do not staple documents.

• Refer to the specific Requirement Sheets for your visa type for a complete list of necessary documents.

2. Book an Appointment

• Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are free of charge.

• Appointments must be booked in the correct category. Appointments booked under other categories will be invalid.

• If no appointment slots are available check back regularly as new slots are frequently opened.

• If rescheduling or canceling is required, use the cancellation link in your confirmation email.

• Missing your appointment requires scheduling a new one.

3. Attend the Interview

• Visit the Visa Section of the German Consulate in Dubai in person with your complete set of documents on the appointment day.

• Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Special Provisions: Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Great Britain and the United States can apply for a residence and work permit after arriving in Germany.

Visa Processing Information

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• Fees

• Adults: €75 (in AED, exact cash required)

• Children under 18: €37.50 (in AED, exact cash required)

• Some visa categories may not require a fee, depending on specific circumstances or intergovernmental agreements.

• Processing Time

• Applications can take up to 12 weeks. Delays may occur in some cases.

• Status updates are not available during standard processing time.

• Communication

• Always include your file number in correspondence with the Visa Section.

• Decision and Passport Collection

• Once a decision is made, you will be contacted to collect your passport.

• Check your visa label for accuracy immediately.

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Application Resources

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Application Forms and Requirement sheets

• Download and complete the application form before your appointment.

Requirement sheets are available for visa types such as:

• Family Reunion ENG
• Family reunification with beneficiaries of subsidiary protection ENG
• Student ENG
• Recognition of foreign qualifications for regulated professions (§ 16d AufenthG) ENG
• Scientists Visiting Scholars (Wissenschaftler) ENG
• Skilled Employment ENG
• Specialty Cook ENG
• Vocational Training (Ausbildung §16a AufenthG) ENG
• Self-Employment ENG
• Freelancers (§21 Abs 5 AufenthG) ENG
• Voluntary Service (Bundesfreiwilligen Dienst) ENG
• Au Pair ENG
• Chancenkarte Opportunity Card ENG

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Additional Information Leaflets and Declaration

• Recognition of Foreign Documents
• Blocked Account and Formal Obligation Letter ENG
• Health Insurance for Long Term Stay
• Language Requirements Leaf

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For further inquiries, use the contact form to reach the Visa Section.

Important Note: All information provided is for reference only, subject to change, and not a substitute for legal advice. Accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed.